Kids Health

Tackling and Preventing Childhood Obesity

Obesity is a serious health issue in the modern world, but of more pressing concern is the rise of childhood obesity. It’s enough of a problem that even the White House has devoted time and resources to finding solutions. Obesity can lead to severe health complications later in life, like diabetes and heart disease, so of course parents want to find a way to stop it at the root.   Here are some ways that you can reduce the risk of obesity in your family.   Less Screen Time: No child under the age of 2 should be sitting in front of a TV or computer screen for a long period of time. This kind of behavior will be harder to correct as they get older. And when it comes to older kids, they should ideally be spending only 30 minutes in front of a screen at a time. Encourage your child to take regular breaks from the computer.   More Physical Activity: Like adults who want to stay healthy, kids should have about one to two hours a day working on their physical fitness. Most kids are usually enrolled into an after-school sports program like soccer or softball, but there are other alternatives like going out for more walks (instead of driving) or learning how to ride a bike.   Eating in Moderation: There’s nothing wrong with the occasional bag of chips or can of soda, but it shouldn’t be a daily ritual. If you want to give your child sweets, then balance it out with a healthy snack or a bottle of water. Save candy and cakes for a special occasion like a birthday party or a holiday.   Prepare Healthier Meals and Snacks: Most of what you need to cut out of your diet is any food or drink that’s high in fats, starch, and sugar. Focus on foods with more fiber like fruits and vegetables. Buy dairy products that are lower in fat and sugar. Cook with meat that’s leaner, like chicken, turkey, or fish. Choose whole-grain bread for sandwiches and low-sugar cereals for breakfast.   Involve the Whole Family: It’s one thing to single out your child about the way they eat or the exercise they aren’t getting, but it makes a huge difference when the rest of the family is on the same page. Plan out better meals that the whole family will enjoy. Make it a habit to go out for a walk after dinner. Not only will your child lead a healthier life, but your family will become closer as a result.   Image: USDAgov

Treating Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Insulin helps the body intake glucose, which is in many foods and is needed for energy. Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured. Once the body’s immune system begins to attack the cells that produce insulin, the body will never be able to produce it again. The disease can be very dangerous, so it is important to seek help from a medical professional.   Kids must monitor their blood glucose levels multiple times a day. The blood glucose level lets you know how much glucose is still in the bloodstream and how much has been absorbed by cells in the body. If the blood glucose level gets too high, insulin is needed. There are devices that can measure the blood glucose level, which you and your child will need to learn how to operate.   You or your child will have to administer insulin injections. Follow the prescription outlined by your child’s doctor. Typically, insulin shots will have to be given one to two times per day. There is also a device called an insulin pump, which doesn’t require injections. Talk to your child’s doctor to come up with the best treatment plan.   Your child will need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This means being vigilant about what and when your child eats. Maintain an eating schedule to make sure your child doesn’t go too long without food or isn’t eating too often. Timing of meals will have to work in accordance with when your child takes insulin and the amount of physical activity he or she gets. You and your child will have to pay attention to the types of foods eaten, especially the starches and sugars in food. Your child does not have to follow a strict or special diet in most cases. A child with diabetes still needs the same nutrients as any other child. But you must be careful about what goes into your child’s body so blood glucose levels don’t get too high.   It is important for your child with diabetes to get regular physical activity. Exercise can help maintain blood glucose levels as well as prevent future illnesses. Image by jyyne_2000 on Flickr Creative Commons.

Treating Teen Depression

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that affects 1 in 20 teenagers. Teenages are known for being moody, but teen depression goes deeper than that. It can linger for long periods and recur again and again. Depression causes persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. Depression can affect any teen and is often linked to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety. Depression can lead to many problems including, running away, low self-esteem,and reckless behavior.   If you think your teen may be depressed, there are a few things you can do to help.   Encourage your teens to open up and talk about their feelings by creating a safe space: Teens should never feel afraid to talk to their parents. Don’t criticize or threaten. Allow your kids to have whatever thoughts or feelings they may have and help them to express those thoughts and feelings in constructive and appropriate ways. Don’t talk over your teen. Let your teen say what he or she needs to say first before putting in your two cents. If your teen doesn’t feel comfortable talking, encourage him or her to keep a journal. Writing every day is good for a myriad of reasons, but it can also help kids deal with their worries and other feelings.   Teach your kids stress management strategies: High school is a difficult time. Kids are faced with increased school pressure, the looming college decision, many clubs, activities, and responsibilities, and challenging relationships. Teens are young, and as much as they might like to believe, they don’t have it all figured out. Talk to your kids about coping strategies for dealing with the many stressors in their lives. Something as simple as taking deep breaths before a test can help to alleviate some of the minor stress that your teen faces every day. Download a meditation app on your phone. Make meditating a nightly activity for the whole family so your teen doesn’t feel different or like an outcast. Meditating is a great way for everyone to relax.   If the depression is persistent, it might be time to seek outside help. Bring your teen to see a psychologist that specializes in teen depression. Image by RelaxingMusic on Flickr Creative Commons.

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